Thanks making this much needed opinion heard in the Sylva Herald, Jenifer!
"Let’s not undermine the community treasure that is our library""
To the Editor:
Libraries are the backbone of any community. They serve a number of critical functions, particularly in rural areas such as far Western North Carolina where, because many homes remain without internet services, use of computers and printers are provided free of charge at the library.
This proved a godsend when schools were shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A well-stocked library provides opportunities to read about history and current events; offers wide-ranging research resources; fiction and non-fiction choices for people of all ages, information on political opinions and views, world religions and cultural issues.
For patrons who choose to seek them out, materials related to gender and racial identity are available.
Displays commemorating special events such as Indigenous Peoples Day, Pride Month, religious and secular holidays are organized at appropriate times throughout the year. Reading classic literature at home with my parents and, later, with my own children was special to me. “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “The Grapes of Wrath,” “Charlotte’s Web” and even, “Where The Wild Things Are” are prime examples.
I believe we gain better perspective on the human condition when we read about people, places and events that are not part of our everyday world.
Banning such literature limits a reader’s appreciation of the world.
If I as a parent feel something is inappropriate for my child it is my responsibility, and mine alone, to assure they are not exposed to it.
I happen to be a white, heterosexual Christian. That does not diminish my desire to learn about others who differ from me in their religious, racial, sexual, cultural, educational or professional experiences.
What a sad, lonely place it would be if we were not given the opportunity to surround ourselves with the richness of the human experience. I respect that the opinions of others may be different from mine but expect that mine will be respected in return.
The purpose of a library is to make information and resources available to patrons from all walks of life with many diverse views.
If an item is felt by an individual to be offensive to their personal values or beliefs, then I respectfully suggest that they choose not to read or watch it.
Our library system and its individual county libraries are a remarkable resource to this part of the state. The staff members are knowledgeable about the collections and eager to assist with any requests.
The opportunities provided for our citizens quite often exceed what’s available in many more urban areas. The administrators are, in my opinion, excellent stewards of the financial resources available to them and are to be commended for their professionalism and understanding of the needs of the communities they serve. Please, let’s not undermine a wonderful organization that serves us all so well.
Jenifer Montsinger, Sylva
... See MoreSee Less
Here is George Clooney response after Trump accused him of being a "Hollywood elite."
"Here's the thing: I grew up in Kentucky. I sold insurance door-to-door. I sold ladies' shoes. I worked at an all-night liquor store. I would buy suits that were too big and too long and cut the bottom of the pants off to make ties so I'd have a tie to go on job interviews. I grew up understanding what it was like to not have health insurance for eight years.
So this idea that I'm somehow the "Hollywood elite" and this guy who takes a shit in a gold toilet is somehow the man of the people is laughable.
People in Hollywood, for the most part, are people from the Midwest who moved to Hollywood to have a career. So this idea of "coastal elites" living in a bubble is ridiculous. Who lives in a bigger bubble?
He lives in a gold tower and has twelve people in his company. He doesn't run a corporation of hundreds of thousands of people he employs and takes care of. He ran a company of twelve people!
When you direct a film you have seven different unions all wanting different things, you have to find consensus with all of them, and you have to get them moving in the same. direction.
He's never had to do any of that kind of stuff. I just look at it and I laugh when I see him say "Hollywood elite." Hollywood elite? I don't have a star on Hollywood Boulevard, Donald Trump has a star on Hollywood Boulevard! Fuck you!"
... See MoreSee Less
Medicaid expansion to begin in North Carolina as governor lets budget bill become law
... See MoreSee Less
Democratic Women of JC had their final meeting, with Penny Smith as its president. New co-president Myrtle Schrader had each member describe Penny with a single word. As you can see from the words written on the white board, there was quite a variety. But perhaps the words to describe her as our former leader...are role-model and hero. We have been so privileged!!!
... See MoreSee Less
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on October 03, 2023, at 5:45 p.m., at the Justice & Administration Building, 401 Grindstaff Cove Road, Room A201, Sylva, North Carolina. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to receive public input concerning the Board of Commissioners’ consideration of exercising its authority over commissions, boards, agencies, etc., in accordance with NCGS § 153A-77. More specifically, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners is considering multiple options to include, but not limited to, the abolishment of the existing County Board of Health and County Board of Social Services and/or the creation of a Consolidated Human Services Agency and/or the Board of Commissioners exercising the authority to assume all powers, responsibilities and duties of the Consolidated Human Services Board and/or the Board of Commissioners exercising the authority to assume all powers, responsibilities and duties of the County Board of Social Services and the County Board of Health. Citizens are invited to submit written or oral comments at the public hearing.
... See MoreSee Less
Everyone out today to celebrate the naming of the Phil and Connie Haire Institute for Public Policy, even Governor Cooper!
... See MoreSee Less
Throwback Thursday to April 23, 1998 with a campaign ad for Phil Haire from the Sylva Herald. Come out tomorrow to the Stillwell Building at WCU to celebrate the naming of the Phil and Connie Haire Institute for Public Policy at 1:00pm!
... See MoreSee Less
Democratic Party Chairs respond to Rep. Edwards:
... See MoreSee Less

Rep. Edwards has overstepped authority
smokymountainnews.com
To the Editor: We are writing today in response to Rep. Chuck Edwards’ letter in the Carolina Journal insisting members of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians vote against the legalization of mar...